| Dr
John Coope
M.D. M.B.E
1928 –
2005
Dr
John
was
a true
Bollingtonian
with
a strong
sense
of civic
duty
and
a man
of Science
with
a passion
for
the
Arts.
Our
local
G.P.
was
also
respected
internationally
for
his
research
into
hypertension,
puppets
and
Chekhov.
He tended
the
sick;
he galvanised
a small
town.
In
1964
Dr John
initiated
the
first
Bollington
Festival,
his
vision
being
“to
rekindle
the
community
spirit”.
It encouraged
home-grown
talents
and
gave
rise
to numerous
groups
still
thriving
today.
Subsequent
Festivals
reinvigorate
this
“celebration
of local
vitality”,
featuring
existing
societies
and
prompting
new
ones.
Dr
John’s
inimitable
energy
and
talent
for
sparking
enthusiasm
made
the
Arts
Centre
possible.
He led
the
group
of trustees
who
bought
the
building
in 19…He
guided
its
expansion
from
theatre
and
rehearsal
space
to today’s
dynamic
home
for
arts,
culture
and
social
endeavour,
accessible
to everyone.
Much
of what
is unique
and
fine
about
Bollington
is due
to the
inspiration
of Dr
John
Coope.
Certainly,
Bollington
Arts
Centre
is indebted
to him.
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